Polls crucial for Kashmir resolution, says Mufti Muhammad Sayeed

In an attempt to reach out to separatists opposing Jammu and Kashmir's status quo, People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed on Friday claimed the upcoming polls' implications are beyond the government formation and its results will safeguard resolution of the Kashmir problem.

In an attempt to reach out to separatists opposing Jammu and Kashmir's status quo, People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed on Friday claimed the upcoming polls' implications are beyond the government formation and its results will safeguard resolution of the Kashmir problem.

"The poll results would be crucial to safeguard the interests of the state, resolution of Kashmir problem and securing the rights of people," said Sayeed during his address to the workers convention in south Kashmir's Pampore assembly segment.

He claimed that the polls are "politically very significant and the people should use this opportunity to give a positive turn to the situation, which has witnessed immense deterioration during the past six years of anarchic rule".

"We hope emancipated people of Jammu and Kashmir would use their vote vigilantly and elect a party that can address with great resolve the massive political and economic challenges facing the state," he added.

The former state chief minister said the PDP's effort would be to restore J&K's economic glory by introducing a new policy of self-sustenance through proper land use and doing away with the deliberate attempt to convert Kashmir into a daily-wager society.

"J&K has to be linked up in as many areas as possible, so that there is not only a free flow of people and goods, but of ideas and cultures as well," he said.

Sayeed said people here want to reap the fruits of globalisation and economic liberalisation. "Our party's endeavour would be to create special export zone in Kashmir for saffron, apples, walnuts, almonds," said former union home minister.